Miami Officer Is Arrested

A Miami police officer is being held without bond in a Miami-Dade County jail, accused of using his uniform and his patrol car to shake down undercover officers, authorities said Monday.

Webert E. Celestin, 33, was arrested on Nov. 18 and charged with grand theft, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, conspiracy to commit armed (drug) trafficking, conspiracy to commit armed robbery and official misconduct, said police spokesman Officer Jorge Pino. He was a three-year member of the Miami Police Department.

On two occasions Celestin and Colin were leaked information that a drug deal was taking place at a Miami house, Pino said. In reality, the people involved were undercover police officers who had been investigating Celestin for months.

"I don't know how often" he had done this sort of thing in the past, Pino said. "But they had received some information this guy was up to no good. That's what led them to start the investigation."

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and a South Florida task force worked with Miami police on the case.

In both instances Celestin showed up in uniform with his service revolver, a 40-caliber Glock, drawn, Pino said. Celestin was not on duty at the time.

On Oct. 6, Celestin and Colin stole $22,000 from an undercover agent, Pino said. On Nov. 17, they tried to steal three kilograms of cocaine and $60,000 in cash from other agents, but they were arrested.